Hundreds rally in New York to show their support for the Palestinian people.
The rally comes a week before Palestinian leaders are expected to call for full United Nations membership.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) EMMAIA GELMAN:
"The push for statehood is a complicated matter. Palestinians are on many sides of it. And our message here is whatever the solution is, whatever the outcome is that Palestinian human rights and a healthy civil society have to be a part of it and can't be sacrificed."
Earlier in the week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas vowed "no retreat" from the plans to request full U.N. membership in the absence of talks with Israel.
Protesters have mixed feelings over whether the bid will be successful.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JEHAD AWAD:
"I don't think they are going to get it, but I definitely think they should keep trying to and eventually, hopefully it will happen."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) IOANNA:
"Time is with Palestinians. There is no question. History has taught us that people do get justice. It is going to be a long process. It will not happen tomorrow, but it will happen. I have every faith. I may not see it in my lifetime, but it will be."
Earlier in the day, U.N. Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon called on the Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks, saying "achieving a two-state solution is long overdue."
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
